Kris and I stayed at home for our second Easter here in Uganda . We had
some PCV friends over and had a great time dying eggs in the morning. As we ate
some really old candy bars Kris found, we listened to the songs and drumming floating
in through the windows from the religious gathering at the school. The majority
of Ugandans practice Christianity, so Easter is celebrated widely, with church
gatherings, parades, and crosses of all sizes being carried around on display.
It makes explaining how many Americans celebrate the holiday – with eggs and
dye and chocolate bunnies – sound a bit like we’re just trying to see how
ridiculous we can be and still get our Ugandan friends to believe us. “No
really! We tell kids that a giant bunny comes in the middle of the night and
leaves them colorful chocolate eggs! Yes, I know that bunnies don’t lay eggs.
Yes, eggs aren’t chocolate. No, you’re right, bunnies aren’t really that
giant…”
Carmen had the coolest egg, by far!
The local eggs we get in the village are brown, which we all forgot was different than the white eggs we dye back in the States, so the colors came out a bit differently.
Disposing of the dye.
In the afternoon, after the five-hour church service we
skipped out on and after Ravi forced us to hide eggs so he could have an Easter
Egg hunt, the neighborhood kids came around to play matatu, the popular Ugandan
card game. It’s also actually the only Ugandan card game; Kris and I drew some
blank looks in the beginning of our time here when people asked us to play
cards and we asked what game they wanted to play. “Cards.” “Yes, but what
game?” “…cards.” Matatu is a bit like Uno with added flourishing, posturing,
and outraged sounds encouraged – in short, a lot of fun. We also taught the oldest,
Manzi, how to play Guillotine. He loved it, especially since he won! All in
all, this Easter was the perfect mix of Uganda
and America .
Ravi's triumph.
Kris shuffling on people's heads - always good for a giggle.
The kids enjoyed playing with the guitar and rocking Kris' $1 bus park shades.
Good people aren't hard to find,
they're right around the corner
at the end of the line, it's true.
Good people got peace of mind,
and I'd like to spend some time with you.
- Great Big Sea
What is Kris doing with the egg in the first picture? Did you empty them out first? Or is he shotgunning the egg, a new part of the ritual? Looks fun! And I love how you answer the questions... no, bunnies do not lay eggs, no eggs are not chocolate, yes, children believe these silly things... And while we did not have a 5-hour Easter service, I took a 5-hour nap after our hour long service! It was one of the best naps ever, too, we were so tired after our first Easter service! Awesome service, though, I must say.
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